The GreenFields Continuing Care Community and Schofield Care are joining forces in a strategic alliance aimed to strengthen both non-profit organizations and prime them for future growth. The partnership is rooted in an effort to improve the quality and clinical scope of senior care in Western New York.

This strategic alliance will allow each organization to maintain their local identities, while leveraging the successful track records and operational strengths of both. An expanded presence in the market will lead to greater purchasing and negotiating power. Both organizations will be better situated to not only withstand the changing health care market in a period of unparalleled competition, but to grow and extend their shared mission of caring. The Niagara Lutheran Health System, the parent organization of The GreenFields, and Schofield Care have a combined 172 year history of service to the community.

With this partnership, The GreenFields and Schofield Care will be better positioned to recruit and retain staff, and to offer employees additional training, professional resources, and opportunities for career advancement. “We’re coming together while we’re both strong,” said Chris Koenig, President/CEO of Niagara Lutheran Health System “This is not about losing jobs or merging, but increasing opportunity, building on our strengths and building career ladders.” Together, the two organizations care for more than 500 residents at various locations, and hundreds more who receive home health care and adult day health care. More than 1,000 employees are part of this new alliance.

This alliance broadens the geographical footprint of each organization, and creates the area’s most comprehensive continuum of care, which together will now include independent, assisted and enhanced-assisted living, memory and enhanced-memory care, sub-acute rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, skilled and long-term care, respite care, adult day health care, home health services, veteran care, and enhanced palliative and end-of-life care. “Together, we’re probably the most comprehensive group. And our community needs the not-for-profit option,” said Randy Gerlach, President and CEO of Schofield Care.